How to pronounce 'lamarckism'?
lamarckism
noun
How to pronounce lamarckism?
The word lamarckism sounds like la-marck-ism
/lə'mɑrkɪzəm/
What is the definition of lamarckism?
nouna theory of organic evolution claiming that acquired characteristics are transmitted to offspring
What is the definition of lamarckism?
- Lamarckism is a theory of evolution that suggests that characteristics acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed on to future generations.
Who proposed the theory of lamarckism?
- The theory of lamarckism was proposed by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, a French biologist, in the early 19th century.
What are the key principles of lamarckism?
- The key principles of lamarckism include the inheritance of acquired characteristics, the use and disuse principle, and the concept of complexification and degeneration.
How does lamarckism differ from Darwin's theory of evolution?
- Lamarckism proposes that acquired traits can be inherited, while Darwin's theory of evolution focuses on natural selection and the passing on of advantageous inherited traits.
Is lamarckism widely accepted in the scientific community today?
- No, lamarckism is not widely accepted in the scientific community today. It has been largely replaced by Darwinian evolution through natural selection.
What are some examples of lamarckism?
- One example of lamarckism is the long neck of a giraffe. According to lamarckism, ancestors of giraffes with shorter necks stretched their necks to reach higher leaves, and this acquired trait was passed on to future generations.
What evidence contradicts lamarckism?
- The discovery of the mechanism of DNA and genetics contradicts lamarckism. It is now known that genetic information is passed on through the DNA sequence and not through acquired traits.
Are there any modern interpretations or variations of lamarckism?
- There are some modern interpretations or variations of lamarckism, such as epigenetics, which studies changes in gene expression that can be influenced by environmental factors.
What is the current status of lamarckism in scientific literature?
- Lamarckism is considered an outdated theory in scientific literature. It is discussed more in historical contexts rather than as a valid explanation for the process of evolution.
Can lamarckism apply to human evolution?
- The application of lamarckism to human evolution is highly debated. While some researchers propose the role of epigenetics in human evolution, the overall consensus is that the main driving force of human evolution is natural selection.
